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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Parks & Rec - Level 7

Livonia, MI · On-site

$19.50 - $20.25/hr

Museum Collection Manager - Manages proper documentation of the museum collections, including ... volunteers to assist in the development of nature programs; offers an opportunity to explore ...

Museum Collection Manager - Manages proper documentation of the museum collections, including ... volunteers to assist in the development of nature programs; offers an opportunity to explore ...

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Museum Collections Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Michigan is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Collections Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Collections Assistant, you need a solid understanding of art history or museum studies, attention to detail, and experience handling and cataloging artifacts, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with collections management systems like TMS or PastPerfect and adherence to proper conservation techniques are typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you coordinate with curators and other staff. These skills ensure the preservation, accurate documentation, and accessibility of museum collections, which are crucial for the institution's educational and research missions.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Assistant vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum Collections AssistantMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some roles may prefer a bachelor's in museum studies or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; master's preferred in museum studies, history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAssist with handling, cataloging, and maintaining collections; work under supervision in museums or galleriesOversee collections, develop exhibitions, and manage staff; more administrative and decision-making responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for supporting collection managementEmployed in similar settings but with higher responsibilities for curation and program development

In summary, Museum Collections Assistants focus on supporting collection handling and organization, often requiring less formal education, while Museum Curators have broader responsibilities including developing exhibitions and managing collections, typically requiring advanced degrees and experience.

What are Museum Collections Assistants?

Museum Collections Assistants are professionals who help manage, document, and care for the objects and artifacts within a museum’s collection. They assist with cataloging, inventory, handling, and storing items to ensure their preservation and accessibility. These assistants often work closely with curators, conservators, and registrars, and may also help set up exhibitions and facilitate research requests. Their role is essential in maintaining the organization and integrity of the museum’s holdings.

What are some common challenges faced by Museum Collections Assistants when managing and cataloging artifacts?

Museum Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling delicate or fragile artifacts, ensuring accurate and detailed cataloging, and maintaining up-to-date records in collection management databases. Balancing the need for careful preservation with accessibility for research or exhibition can also be demanding. Additionally, assistants may need to coordinate with curators, registrars, and conservators to address storage limitations or implement new conservation protocols, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Michigan? For Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,321 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Parks & Rec - Level 7

City of Livonia, MI

Livonia, MI • On-site

$19.50 - $20.25/hr

Temporary

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Salary: $19.50 - $20.25 Hourly
Location : Parks & Recreation, City of Livonia, MI
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: N/A
Department: Parks and Recreation - Recreation Center
Opening Date: 08/19/2022
The City of Livonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
This job level contains the following positions: Activity/Sports Instructor II, Building Supervisor II, Camp Director, Lifeguard Instructor, Museum Collection Manager, Naturalist, Pool Maintenance Supervisor, and Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator. Please see the Illustrative Examples of Work section below for more information.
Activity/Sports Instructor II- Plans and administers children and adult activities in a variety of different sports or instructional programming. Minimum of two years coaching/instructing experience at high school level or above required. Archery Instructors must have USA Archery Level 2 Instruction Certification at a minimum. Must obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 30 days of employment.
Building Supervisor II- Has at least three years Building Supervisor experience at the Recreation Center. Supervises facility operations including: front desk operations, policy and procedure enforcement, guest services, maintenance needs, classes, programs, and events; supervises part-time staff. Must be at least 21 years old. Must have successfully completed Building Supervisor 1, Step 3. Must obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 30 days of employment.
Camp Director- Plans, supervises, and coordinates summer day camps, as assigned; responsible for supervision and evaluation of Camp Supervisors and Camp Counselors; ensures that camp activities and procedures are in compliance with state regulations; monitors inventory and purchases program supplies and equipment, as needed; maintains accurate records and reports. Must be at least 18 years old.
Lifeguard Instructor-Teaches lifeguard classes to general public; assists in staff training; works independently. Possesses current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification. Holds current Basic Level Lifeguarding, CPR-PR, Oxygen Administration, and PDT certifications.
Museum Collection Manager- Manages proper documentation of the museum collections, including accessioning and deaccessioning, cataloging, inventories, and other records; maintains the collections management database (Past Perfect) and object files; ensures proper care and preservation of the museum collections by managing the museum collections storage rooms, environmental conditions data and analysis, curatorial housekeeping, and conservation projects; contributes to exhibition planning and installation, including overseeing incoming and outgoing loans. At least three years of professional experience managing art and artifact collections in a museum environment and thorough knowledge of collections management standards and best practices required.
Naturalist- Plans and administers nature programming in a variety of locations; develops, manages, and trains volunteers to assist in the development of nature programs; offers an opportunity to explore natural beauty and to learn about nature through classroom presentations, interpretative walks, and workshops; creates partnerships and manages contractors, as needed. Must be able to teach to all ages and all backgrounds, including young children. Must be at least 21 years old.
Pool Maintenance Supervisor - Oversees Pool Maintenance staff; responsible for mechanical and general daily maintenance. Possesses Lifeguard Certification, Certified Pool Operator or Aquatic Facility Operator Certification, and Oxygen Administration Certification. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must be at least 18 years old.
Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator - Responsible for leading and supervising activities for persons with special needs; plans, supervises, and coordinates events and activities, as assigned; responsible for supervision and evaluation of Therapeutic Recreation Counselors and Therapeutic Recreation Supervisors; ensures safety and well-being of staff and participants; maintains accurate records and reports, as necessary; monitors inventory and purchases program supplies and equipment, as needed; responsible for interaction with participants, families, and staff members in a positive and professional manner. Must be at least 18 years old.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCESS
  1. Be at least 16 years old (or as specified); and
  2. Be able to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays; and
  3. Have the ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; and
  4. Have the ability to demonstrate techniques and skills associated with the position; and
  5. Aquatic Staff: must possess a current American Red Cross Lifeguard training or nationally recognized certification, CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification, First Aid certification, and be able to pass a swim test.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Ability to:
  • Work variable hours
  • Follow established daily operating procedures
  • Assure safety of participants
  • Work effectively with the public and department personnel
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned

NOTE: Advancement to step 1.5 will happen at six months of employment. Advancement to the next step will be considered after one year of employment, if a minimum of 125 hours have been worked and a satisfactory employee evaluation has been obtained.
Temporary employees are not eligible for fringe benefits.
01
Please select the job(s) to which you are applying:
  • Activity/Sports Instructor II
  • Building Supervisor II
  • Camp Director
  • Lifeguard Instructor
  • Museum Collection Manager
  • Naturalist
  • Pool Maintenance Supervisor
  • Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator

02
Are you at least 16 years old (or otherwise specified)?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you able to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have the ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have the ability to demonstrate the techniques and skills associated with the position?
  • Yes
  • No

06
AQUATIC STAFF: must possess a current American Red Cross Lifeguard training or nationally recognized certification, CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification, First Aid certification, and be able to pass a swim test. Do you meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No
  • N/A - not applying for an aquatics position

Required Question